I think Massdrop is offering a very fair deal. If they sold 100 kits, even at $100 profit per unit, that is only $10,000. To build a prototype designed by others with no promise of a return, make arrangements with manufacturers and suppliers, be willing to customize orders, listen to "helpful suggestions"by "potential buyers", offer free shipping (US) and then be taxed on what's left over, in California no less, for a $10,000 return is a venture that I think is being more than fair.
I think we should thank Massdrop for taking on this project and making it a reality. Capitalism at its finest!
Also a big thanks to all the contributors of the Ergodox project. It's great to see such talented people offering their services without pay to see this project through.